“Kung Fu Panda 4” in the home cinema This is how good family entertainment works
Panda bear Po has experienced many adventures. Number four now makes it to the home cinema.
© 2024 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
The fourth part of the “Kung Fu Panda” series lands in the home cinema on Sky and Wow and once again has an important message in its luggage.
Aren’t three movies about a kung fu fighting panda bear slow enough? Many people asked a similar question about the “Toy Story” franchise. Then the animated toys came to cinemas for the fourth time in 2019 and promptly entertained young, old and everyone in between. Meanwhile, moviegoers couldn’t get enough of the chubby panda Po at the beginning of this year: The Fourth Prank DreamWorks’ animation series delivered a furious blow at the box office, with around $550 million in the end. So far, only five films worldwide have grossed more money in 2024.
From October 18th, Po and Co. will finally be shaking up the home cinema. Then “Kung Fu Panda 4” celebrates its premiere in the living room via Sky or the streaming service Wow. Like its three predecessors, it combines a clear and important message for kids with plenty of scenes that parents will also get their money’s worth from. And of course there is enough charming humor for every age group.
Time for change? That’s what it’s about
Actually, Po just wants to indulge in his heroic existence as a dragon warrior. But then Master Shifu tells him that he has other plans for the panda: Po should become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace and hand over his position as dragon warrior to a successor. He agrees under protest, but finding a suitable candidate turns out to be more difficult than expected. The reason for this are several secondary theaters of war: First, a nasty thief named Zhen is up to mischief in the Jade Palace. And then the troublemaker Po also tells about a deceitful and evil chameleon sorceress who strives for ultimate power.
It’s clear to Po: Before he gives up his title as a dragon warrior, his last official act is to stop the chameleon. Together with Zhen, he then sets off on the arduous journey to Juniper City and soon learns that he has been duped.
Der Patchwork-Panda
The “Kung Fu Panda” series has always stood for clear messages to its young viewers. So in part one, everything about the supposedly last panda in the world was about the urgency of animal protection. The fact that the character Mr. Ping raised a goose Po also introduced the concept of adoption to the children. And part three was even aimed at the parents with an important message: finally get along, biological dad and stepfather – together you can achieve great things!
“Kung Fu Panda 4” deals with a new topic in a child-friendly way: the changes in life and the growing responsibility that sooner or later comes to all of us: This may initially be unwanted and unpleasant, as it was with Po and his designated role as spiritual leader is the case. Ultimately, you always grow through your tasks. The newly introduced character Zhen also demonstrates that it is never too late to change for the better.
Well-known English lessons?
Most families will probably not use the home cinema evening with “Kung Fu Panda 4” for English lessons. If so, you can look forward to the voices of numerous world stars who bring the lovable characters to life. For example – as in the previous parts – the multiple Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman (87) speaks Master Shifu. New additions include Viola Davis (59) as the evil chameleon and Awkwafina (36) as the thief Zhen.
Bryan Cranston (68), Ian McShane (82) and especially Jack Black (55) are also back in part four. Black speaks Panda Bear Po with his usual fervor, but is worthy of representation in the German dub. As in all previous editions, Hape Kerkeling (59) proves his qualities as a battle-tested bear.
If you’re looking for the perfect family film for an autumn cinema evening, you can get it from Sky and Wow with “Kung Fu Panda 4” from October 18th. The positive side effect: For some children, the adventure with Po may make them want to transform themselves into a cuddly Kung Fu Panda for Halloween.
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